Establishing Paternity in District of Columbia
How paternity is established in District of Columbia: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: Paternity can be established by a written acknowledgment signed under oath by both parents in D.C. after they receive written and oral notice of the consequences; D.C. Code §§ 16-909.01, 16-909.03, 16-2345
| Establishing paternity | Paternity can be established by a written acknowledgment signed under oath by both parents in D.C. after they receive written and oral notice of the consequences; birthing hospitals must offer the form, a notary and the chance to sign, and send completed forms to the Registrar of Vital Records within 14 days. A signer may rescind within the earlier of 60 days or the date of an administrative or court proceeding about the child in which the signer is a party. Paternity can also be established by a laboratory genetic test result showing at least a 99% probability, or by a parentage case in Superior Court. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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FAQ
How do you establish paternity in District of Columbia?
Paternity can be established by a written acknowledgment signed under oath by both parents in D.C. after they receive written and oral notice of the consequences; birthing hospitals must offer the form, a notary and the chance to sign, and send completed forms to the Registrar of Vital Records within 14 days. A signer may rescind within the earlier of 60 days or the date of an administrative or court proceeding about the child in which the signer is a party. Paternity can also be established by a laboratory genetic test result showing at least a 99% probability, or by a parentage case in Superior Court.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.